New style rear axle?
 

I was daydreaming a little today...who here has installed a newer-style Chevy rear end (1999-200? model) in their K5 or K10? I figure rather than spend the time and money to rebuild my original and buy a disc kit for it, I might consider a whole different axle.

Re: New style rear axle?
 

I've got a '98 3/4 ton 14 bolt FF rear axle with disc's in my off road blazer.

Re: New style rear axle?
 

IIRC the 98s still had drum brakes, correct? I am mainly curious if someone was able to utilize the factory rear discs starting in 99 (on the 1/2 tons, a couple years later on the 14FF I think) and get the ebrake and what not to work properly.

Correct me if I'm wrong on the year models that I am spitting out, I'm getting old and forgetful! :crazy:

Re: New style rear axle?
 

You could be right, mine may of been converted.
(was already installed when I got the blazer)

No accomadation for e-brake either, sorry thought it might of helped.

At least we know they fit under the trucks. :hm:

Re: New style rear axle?
 

so, are you saying they are a close enough fit (in length) to work?

Re: New style rear axle?
 

Correct, they fit fine.

Re: New style rear axle?
 

FirstGen spring perches are set inword about 1.5" from the location of a 73up 14ff. My 2005 Duramax has rear disk on it's 14ff. I could measure it but I would guess the spring perch is too wide for a 'bolt in" affair. I do belive the axel length is the same still but I am guessing...

Re: New style rear axle?
 

Yeah, I was talkin' overall width, not specifically perch measurement's.

There's always going to be custom work needed when you change em up.

Re: New style rear axle?
 

The rear axle in your Duramax isnt the good ole Corporate 14 bolt.....Im 99% sure its a AAM axle.

Re: New style rear axle?
 

Hmm I have no clue..at a glance it looks like a 14..after the glance I just ASSumed I knew what I was looking at...A BIG REAR END = 14bolt :lol:

Re: New style rear axle?
 

I think you are right. That is also what my '06 Cummins has in it (actually, I think the front and rear are both AAM). I don't know how similar they are to the GM version, but I bet they are close. Does anyone know how the AAM compares to the 14FF for wheeling? So far all I have heard is that there aren't many options if you want to change your gear ratio. I have done a little research but would love some more info. :blah:

http://www.aam.com/index.php?s=25

Re: New style rear axle?
 

Are van axles from the late 90's and 2000's still wider than truck axles?

Re: New style rear axle?
 

Be careful now, on the newer style rears (half ton for sure, but not positive on the 3/4 ton and up), but the pumpkin is offset (not centered) to make up for the fuel tank between the framerail and the driveshaft. The drivers side a bit longer than the passengers side is. Other than that, with new spring perches near anything will fit!!

Re: New style rear axle?
 

the new rear AAM axle like in my d-max is huge compaired to a 14blt axle it has a 12.5 ring gear in it and the axles are way bigger.